After having Claudio Ranieri sacked on Thursday, Leicester's players were subsequently accused of trying to get the manager who led them to the title just nine months earlier sacked, and the suggestion seemed to fire up the Foxes.

From the first minute, the champions were quicker, stronger and up for the fight, and Jurgen Klopp's shrinking violets had no answer.

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"It’s no coincidence that all of their league defeats have come against teams in the bottom half, who will be aggressive and get in our faces. We have had all season, but we haven’t found a way to deal with that."

When the going is good, no team in the Premier League sparkles like the Reds - they have plundered the joint most in the division this term, and handed out Anfield hammerings to the likes of Leicester (4-1), Hull (5-1), Watford (6-1) and Stoke (4-1).

A miserable 2017 so far has seen the Reds slip to fifth in the Premier League (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

However, with all five defeats coming against teams in the bottom half this term, it is hard to argue that Liverpool have the stomach for the fight when the tide turns against them.

With that in mind, we've identified five players who could help inject some much-needed steel to the silk that has seen them score 55 goals this term.

Gary Medel

Gary Medel was part of the Chile side that won the 2015 Copa America (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

The tough-tackling Chile international has already played in the Premier League, having been part of the Cardiff City side that was relegated in 2014, but the former Sevilla man has pedigree, having helped his national side to the Copa America in 2015.

The no-nonsense Medel, who is nicknamed 'El Pitbull' for obvious reasons, currently plays for Italian giants Inter and has previously been described as a "warrior" by his former manager Roberto Mancini.

Energetic and tenacious in the tackle, Medel bares a passing resemblance to Javier Mascherano, who many argue has never been replaced since his Anfield exit seven years ago.

Diego Godin

Godin turns 32 later this month (AP Photo/Paulo Duarte)

Atletico Madrid centre-back has established himself as one of the world's finest defenders during his seven years with Los Rojiblancos, and his availability may be a stumbling block.

However, the Uruguay international may have already heard great things about Anfield from Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres, and he might want to pits his wits against the Premier League's finest at some stage in his career as he approaches his 32nd birthday later this month.

With the La Liga side currently seven points behind third place, Godin may feel has has achieved all he can under Diego Simeone after winning the title back in 2014, but much would depend on the Reds qualifying for the Champions League next term.

A rugged leader who would sell his own grandmother for the three points - the battle-hardened Godin would add some iron to the Reds' back four - but whether owners FSG would dispense with their strategy of targeting younger players remains to be seen.

Lars Bender

Lars Bender in action

The Bayer Leverkusen midfield-enforcer is the twin brother of Borussia Dortmund's Sven, and while the pair have similar playing styles, Lars would prehaps represent the more viable option for Jurgen Klopp this summer.

The 27-year-old has a fine range of passing, and covers plenty of ground in the engine room.

With Leverkusen languishing in the Bundesliga's midtable, Liverpool would be in a commanding position if they came calling in the summer.

Oriol Romeu

(PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Saturday November 19, 2016)

We know what you're thinking! ANOTHER Southampton player. Yes, but the former Chelsea midfielder has developed into one of Claude Puel's most trust lieutenants, making 32 appearances for the Saints this term.

Something of an unsung hero for the south-coast club this term, the defensive-minded Spaniard is assured in possession, but adds a presence that some have argued is lacking in Liverpool's three-man midfield.

After plundering nearly £100m in the Southampton coffers over the last three years, a good working relationship with the club would aid the Reds in any potential move.

Radja Nainggolan

Roma's Radja Nainggolan wouldn't come cheap

Place this one as the 'outside bet'. The Belgium international is almost a complete midfield player, and it would take a lot to prise him away from current club Roma.

Heavily tattooed with a mohawk to match, Nainggolan's striking appearance is enough to put fear into some, but the classy midfielder combines skill and energy with a natural tenacity.

The midfielder also has an eye for goal, weighing in with nine for Roma this term in 25 appearances for the Italian side.

However, Nainggolan wouldn't come cheap and the Reds would perhaps at least need the lure of Champions League football to land the Roma star, before any potential big-money bid.